Schools

Sporting Organisations

Football nets rapid rise in participation

Image: More and more school children are taking up football thanks to Sporting Schools, according to Football Federation Australia chief executive officer David Gallop.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has seen a 67 per cent increase in students taking part in their Sporting Schools program, according to chief executive officer David Gallop.

More than 83,000 participants enjoyed the program last year, Gallop says, which reflects the ongoing growth of the game.

The Sporting Schools Primary Football program is predominately delivered by Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League clubs as part of FFA’s four year strategy to connect all the parts of the game and convert participants into fans of both leagues, Gallop says.

“The clubs continue to deliver quality football experiences in schools, which has been key to the growth experienced in our introductory football program ALDI MiniRoos,” he says.

“More than a quarter of Term 1 Sporting School participants who completed a Football program transitioned to ALDI MiniRoos and a local club.”

Gallop said the Sporting Schools program – which is provided free to students – helps more schools increase children's participation in sport and connects them with community sporting opportunities.

“Football is the largest club-based participation sport in Australia with more than 1.15 million participants,” Gallop says.

“And history shows that we get a new surge in participation after every World Cup. With the Caltex Socceroos soon to take part in the tournament in Russia and the Westfield Matildas already qualified for next year’s Women’s World Cup in France, we know we will see more and more kids wanting to play the game.

“FFA thanks the Federal Government for giving more children the chance to try football and other sports at school without cost by continuing its investment in the Sporting Schools program.”

Sporting Schools is a $200 million Australian Government initiative to get more children playing more sport, before, during and after school. Want to run an FFA program at your school? Check out all the details on the Football Federation Australia page.